Road going cars are eligible to participate, and the vast majority of competitors will not need to fit a roll cage, fire extinguisher or harness to take part. Events take place over just a single day, avoiding the need to book accommodation.

The Lotus Cup UK Speed Championship operates similar technical rules to Lotus Cup Europe, with two separate championships for normally-aspirated Production cars and faster SuperSport cars. Drivers can easily graduate to racing once they are comfortable with their performance and ready to take the next step.

Each of the 2017 championship’s rounds has been selected for their suitability for all levels of experience and types of car, with a variety of venues ranging from sprint circuits, airfields and race tracks. These will include Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Cadwell Park race circuits where drivers will compete on the same bill as wheel to wheel race championships. There will also be a visit to the Lotus test track at Hethel as well as a return to Silverstone for MG Live and the classic sprint circuit of Curborough. The championship makes return visits to both Blyton Park and MIRA as well as its first ever visit to Rockingham. At each round competitors will get the opportunity to walk the course, before commencing with practice runs to learn the course. They will then have two or three chances to post their fastest time. Their best time from these two or three runs will be classified in the final results.

Lotus Cup UK Speed Championship is designed to be fun and sociable, creating an environment where Lotus owners can meet up whilst taking part in grass roots motor sport.

Regulations

Series Regulations

Other Information

What is sprinting?

Sprinting is racing against the clock held at race circuits and specialised sprint tracks (such as Curborough and North Weald). Cars start singly and are timed by electronic equipment accurate to 100th of a second. Cars compete in classes relative to their design, engine capacity and any modifications. Classes start with standard saloon cars and go through to Formula 1 type cars. This allows you to compete against cars of equal standing, giving everyone the chance of winning their class.

Sprinting is regulated by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) and in order to compete there are certain requirements which must be followed. Firstly, you need to join an MSA affiliated car club such as LoTRDC which has a sprinting membership, you can then apply for an MSA Competition Licence. With that licence comes the MSA yearbook (The Blue Book) which contains a wealth of useful information. Mandatory safety requirements include the need for a Crash Helmet and Fire Resistant Overalls, both to minimum requirements.

The next stage is to get your car prepared to the minimum standards in order to pass scrutineering. At the beginning of every meeting, a scrutineer will check your car to ensure it complies with necessary safety regulations.

Regulations

Road going cars can participate in sprinting; you do NOT need a fire extinguisher or harnesses in your car to take part, and most cars will not need a cage either.

There are 4 classes & 2 championships – Production & SuperSport.

Production – Lotus road going cars. With a max power based on 111s for K Series cars or 111R if Toyota. Single way dampers, standard interior. Cars must be road registered, MOT and taxed. Tyres are limited to List 1A & List 1B meaning a cage isn’t required.

Obtaining an MSA licence

If you don’t already hold a race licence and are competing in a car that is currently licenced for use on the public highway and will compete in road-legal condition you need to apply for a NON RACE NATIONAL B licence. Those running in class 2 may need to apply for a SPEED NATIONAL A licence depending on the specification of your car. You probably won’t need a medical and there’s no test – simply apply and complete the required payment (£45 for most) – it’s that easy. If your car is not road legal please see section 7.1.5 of the MSA yearbook.

Equipment

Timing Strut – To enable your car to be timed it is mandatory to fit a Timing Strut to the front of the car

. The strut must be: mounted vertically so that it’s leading edge is the furthest forward point; be of solid material (ie metal or wood) and matt black; be 51mm wide, 254mm high with 200mm ground clearance; be in place when presenting the car for scrutineering. It’s very easy to make a strut but if you would prefer to buy one click here.

On the day

Before leaving home, make sure not to forget your licence etc, and it would be a good idea to pack some food & drinks in case there isn’t any available at the venue. Also important to bring your cars V5 if you are competing in a road going vehicle as this might be required to prove this.

On arrival park your car in the appropriate area and proceed to signing on with your appropriate documents (MSA Licence, etc). After signing on you must then have your car passed by a scrutineer and preferably, walk the course prior to the first practice runs. It is advisable to arrive early to allow enough time for all these things (Generally you should allow to get to the course between 1 and 2 hours before the first practice run).

You are now ready to compete and just have to wait for your practice runs to be called before proceeding to the start. It is important that you listen to and obey all marshals and officials on the day. Depending on the event you will normally get the opportunity to have 2 timed practice runs followed by between 2 and 4 timed runs. The fastest timed run will count. Once on the start line, it is up to you, so put your foot down and go for it!